Japan targets biofuels for 2020 Tokyo Olympics flights

Japan has announced plans to use biofuels for commercial flights by the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and deliver a green Olympics.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has set up a task force to formulate the next strategy, according to a statement on the trade ministry website Thursday.

The International Air Transport Association represents about 260 airlines and is aiming for an average improvement in fuel efficiency of 1.5 per cent per year by 2020 and a reduction in net aviation carbon dioxide emissions of 50 per cent by 2050 from 2005 levels.